The Dons' defender reflects on past experiences as he prepares for Hearts clash.
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Aberdeen’s Mats Knoester is on a mission to reach the national cup final for the second consecutive season. The 26-year-old defender, currently on loan from Ferencvaros, played a pivotal role in AGF’s journey to the 2024 Danish Cup final, where they triumphed over Nordsjaelland in a thrilling two-legged semi-final.
Now, Knoester is determined to replicate that success with the Dons as they face Hearts in a crucial Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park this Saturday.
Lessons learned from past cup experiences
Knoester’s previous cup run was not without its challenges.
In the semi-final against Nordsjaelland, the match was marred by a significant delay due to a floodlight failure, which left players and fans in suspense. Reflecting on that night, Knoester stated, “The lights of the stadium went out right before the game. We were waiting half an hour for them to fix it. Nordsjaelland were getting irritated, but we came with a lot of energy and power to beat them.” This resilience and mental fortitude proved crucial in their eventual victory.
Preparing for the challenge ahead
Despite AGF’s eventual loss in the final to Silkeborg, Knoester believes the experience has equipped him with valuable insights. He noted, “We played decent but missed a little bit of determination. It was the final part, in duels and finishing, being clinical in the things we did.” As he gears up for the semi-final against Hearts, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure and trusting the process. “When you get to a semi-final, everyone is hoping for a final, but you still have to battle in the semi-final,” he explained.
Aberdeen’s rich cup history and its significance
Knoester is acutely aware of Aberdeen’s storied history in the Scottish Cup, having not lifted the trophy since 1990. He expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of Dutch legends Theo Snelders and Hans Gilhaus, who made significant contributions to the club’s legacy. “Winning prizes means people remember you forever, even if they don’t know you,” he remarked. This understanding of the club’s heritage fuels his motivation as he prepares for the upcoming clash.
Having joined Aberdeen in February on a two-and-a-half-year deal, Knoester has quickly adapted to the team’s dynamics. With only one defeat in his ten appearances, he feels ready for the challenge posed by Hearts. “We prepared as a team, and I was sent clips about possible opponents. I know it’s a big club and that normally they’re competitive,” he stated confidently.
